Artists

Porfi Jiménez The Master of Rhythm Who United Two Nations

The life, work, and legacy of tropical music’s most “Venezuelan” Dominican.

Porfirio Antonio Jiménez Núñez, known universally as Porfi Jiménez, was more than just a musician; he was a cultural bridge.

A Dominican virtuoso by birth and Venezuelan by choice, he became one of the most iconic figures of Caribbean dance music.

His legacy endures as an exceptional trumpeter, arranger, and bandleader who possessed a unique gift for reading the pulse of the streets and elevating it to the level of fine art.

Porfi Jiménez El Maestro del Ritmo que Unió a dos Naciones

The Prodigy of Hato Mayor: Academic Training

Born on February 16, 1928, in Hato Mayor del Rey, Dominican Republic, Porfi’s destiny was sealed by music from an early age. A recognized child prodigy, he began his formal studies at age seven.

Following the death of his father, his mother gifted him his first trumpet when he was eight a tool that would eventually become his eternal voice.

Unlike many bandleaders of his era, Porfi sought technical excellence at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. This education granted him a superior technical command of jazz orchestration and tropical rhythms, allowing him to inject a unique harmonic sophistication into popular music.

Vida, obra y legado del dominicano más venezolano de la música tropical.

Putting Down Roots in Venezuela: A 50-Year “Layover”

On February 6, 1954, Porfi landed in Caracas at the invitation of his compatriot Rafael “Tata” Minaya for a brief Carnival tour.

What was planned as a temporary trip turned into a stay that lasted over half a century. Before founding his own sonic empire, he honed his craft within the country’s most elite musical institutions:

The Pedro J. Belisario Orchestra.
Billo’s Caracas Boys, under the baton of Maestro Billo Frómeta.
Staff orchestras for Venevisión and RCTV, where he shone as the lead arranger during the golden age of Venezuelan television.

The Birth of a Signature Sound

On December 31, 1963, as the world celebrated New Year’s Eve, a legend was born: Porfi debuted his own orchestra at the Tamanaco Hotel’s Naiguatá Hall.

31 de diciembre de 1963, en el Salón Naiguatá del Hotel Tamanaco Foto By El Universal

His style broke the mold by fusing Dominican merengue with salsa and jazz, achieving a modern, high-energy orchestration.

That same year, he released his first LP, A bailar con Porfi (Velvet Records). Featuring the vocals of Kiko Mendive and Chico Salas, the orchestra produced hits that are now staples of the Latin party songbook:

“La Negra Celina”
“La Resbalosa”
“La Banda está Borracha”

The “King of Carnival” and the Golden Years

Throughout the 80s and 90s, his name was synonymous with sold-out venues. Dubbed the “King of Carnival,” no festival in Venezuela was complete without his music. His ability to create “people’s anthems” is undeniable, leaving behind timeless tracks such as:

Iconic Songs	Cultural Impact
La hierba se movía	A massive sales and dance phenomenon across the region.
Culucucú	An undisputed hit during the December holiday season.
Se hunde el barco	A quintessential classic in the repertoire of great orchestras.
Dolores / Chivo Florete	A masterclass in high-energy, danceable merengue.

Culucucú Éxito indiscutible en las festividades decembrinas.

An Immortal Legacy

Maestro Porfi Jiménez passed away in Caracas on June 8, 2010, at the age of 82.

Though Dominican by birth, he always declared himself “Venezuelan at heart,” leaving behind a devoted family and a generation of musicians trained under his disciplined leadership.

As we approach the centenary of his birth in 2028, his influence remains more vibrant than ever.

The tributes held between 2024 and 2026 in both the Dominican Republic and Venezuela only confirm that Porfi Jiménez was, is, and will always be the man who defined the rhythm of the Caribbean identity.

Also Read: Federico Betancourt “Pioneer of Salsa in Venezuela”

Adriana Mosquea: Between Strings, Winds, and Spirituality

Vocal Excellence, Instrumental Versatility, and Artistic Training

Adriana Carolina Mosquea Santana, born on August 25, 1993, in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, is a multi-faceted artist who has built a solid career as a solo singer, bassist, stage actress, and vocal coach.

Adriana Mosquea Between Strings, Winds and Spirituality

Early Training and First Steps

She began her musical journey at the age of five in school and church choirs. At nine, she entered the Centro de la Cultura de Santiago, where she studied singing, electric bass, and classical guitar. By age 17, she became the only female voice and bassist for the fusion group Oveja Negra.

After an accident that hindered the mobility of her hands for eight months, she defied medical diagnoses and achieved a full recovery through self-directed therapy, resuming her career with groups such as Sol Latino and La Piña Tá Dulce.

The Leap into Lyrical Music and Theater

In 2014, she received a scholarship from the La 37 por las Tablas school, joining the elite vocal group Les Cantatis. Under the tutelage of Roberto Guzmán and María Ligia Grullón, she performed pieces by Vivaldi, Pergolesi, and Tchaikovsky, and participated in the opera Carmen. In 2019, she was part of the choir for the opera La Traviata at the National Theater, conducted by José Antonio Molina.

Solo Career and National Projection

As a soloist, she has released tracks such as Humo y Humo and Zombie, performing at festivals like Arte Vivo and the Alliance Française. Her multidisciplinary project, Circo Imaginario, led her to open for the iconic Dominican rock band Toque Profundo.

Her appearance on Dominicana’s Got Talent in 2019 earned her massive recognition and excellent reviews from the judges. That same year, she joined Belkys Concepción y las Damas as a bassist and backing vocalist, sharing the stage with legendary figures like Johnny Ventura and Fefita la Grande.

Adriana Carolina Mosquea Santana, born on August 25, 1993 in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic

Professional Background and Academic Formation

Adriana’s dedication goes beyond performance; she is an art scholar. She holds a degree in Art History and is currently pursuing a degree in Special Needs Education, focusing on music pedagogy.

Key milestones in her professional journey include:

Oveja Negra: Her first professional group at 17, where she served as the bassist.
Son Santiaguero & Sol Latino: Projects where she explored Cuban Son and alternative rock.
Belkys Concepción: She performed as the bassist for the band led by “The Mother of Merengue,” highlighting Belkys’ overwhelming energy on stage.

Innovation During the Pandemic and Recent Collaborations

Between 2020 and 2021, she produced her album Arte, Magia y Libertad (Art, Magic, and Freedom) in collaboration with Venezuelan producer Daniela Yánez. Her singles have received nominations at the Indie Dominican Awards and Expo Cibao.

Additionally, she participated in the In Memoriam segment of the 2020 Soberano Awards and composed part of the soundtrack for the film La Soga 3. In 2025, she stood out in a tribute to Maridalia Hernández, performing the duet Te Ofrezco.

Pedagogical Work and Vocal Coaching

Currently, Adriana is a prominent vocal coach. She has been a key figure in the technical evolution of the artist Tokischa, working on projects nominated for the 2025 Latin Grammys and 2026 Premios Lo Nuestro. She is a graduate in Art History and is currently completing a Degree in Pedagogy at CESUMA University in Spain.

Excelencia Vocal, Versatilidad Instrumental y Formación Artística

“Singing is a means of expression and healing. My focus is on a balanced life and technical discipline to set the voice free.”

The Multi-instrumentalist and the Winds of Communication

Although her primary instrument is the bass (and double bass in her early years), Adriana is proficient in guitar, piano, drums, and ukulele. her foray into woodwind instruments, such as the clarinet and saxophone, was born from a spiritual search:

“Wind instruments work with air, which is communication. As an artist, I needed to work on my ability to communicate what I was keeping silent.”

Identity, Flavor, and Spirituality

Proud of her roots, Adriana describes Santiago de los Caballeros as a peaceful “city-countryside.” Her palate travels between the Dominican Sancocho de siete carnes and the Venezuelan Mondongo, a dish she confesses has captivated her.

For her, music and spirituality are tools for self-knowledge. She defines spirituality as the acceptance of human duality—seeking balance between light and shadow, far from the pretensions of the ego.

Also Read: Dominican bandleader and singer Papo Ross is triumphing in Montreal

El Chinchilla

Europe / Spain

With his characteristic jovial and cheerful nature, just like the Flamenco Rumba he creates and performs, this extraordinary singer, born in Alcázar de San Juan, Ciudad Real, greets us with smiles and hugs, as if we were family or lifelong friends. Perhaps this is one of the keys to Miguel Chinchilla “El Chinchilla’s” success: simplicity and humility through and through.

Without further ado, to make the most of the limited time available, we begin the interview.

-Chinchilla, when and how did you get started in the art world?

Well, I have to say that before I was a musician, I was a painter. I painted my first oil painting when I was 7 years old, and I’ve never really put down the brushes. I couldn’t start developing my musical side until I managed to save enough money to buy my first guitar. I was 17 then, and from then until now, music has been my whole life, and I dedicate all my energy and time to it.

And when did you create that “magic” fusing Flamenco Rumba with genres like reggae, rock, and ska?

In my early days in music, I had a fusion rock band where we mixed everything imaginable: punk, rock, ska, reggae, flamenco, hip hop, and so on. That way of creating and understanding music is what marked me forever, and to this day, although I have a more defined flamenco and rumba style, my songs always have an open door to fusion, and that’s something I love because it makes me feel free. I don’t like to be pigeonholed or locked in any kind of mental cage.

For the album Quejios del Alma, for example, I collaborated with “El Gato” José Luis Morán on the track “Quiere que la Quiera,” and that combination—because, as I always say, Flamenco Rumba and Salsa are like cousins—turned out sensational and full of flavor. It was a real pleasure to share and record that track with “El Gato.”

— You write, compose, and perform your own music. Which of these roles brings you the most satisfaction?

Every part of the creative process for a song has its own charm, but for me, the ultimate payoff is being able to get up on stage and share it with my fans. That’s the most beautiful part—the part that makes everything else worth it. Giving your all on stage, interacting with the crowd, and feeling that energy coming off the stage that feeds back into me from my people… that’s priceless. It’s a one-of-a-kind feeling.

— You’ve released several albums, and with each one, your success grows. In fact, your music is playing on the top radio stations in Spain and even as far as Israel, just to name a couple of places. Why do you feel the need to start preparing a new album when you’ve barely finished the last one? Is your creativity just overflowing?

Well, I wouldn’t say it’s overflowing. The thing is, even if I’ve just finished a track and I’m thrilled with the result—and I’m thinking I’ll finally take a well-deserved break—it’s usually only a matter of weeks before my mind feels the need to let out the new ideas that are bubbling up and I head back into the studio. Maybe one day I’ll learn to relax in that sense, but it certainly won’t be anytime soon because I have this massive urge to tell the world how I feel.

– You’re preparing to release a new single along with its accompanying music video. When will it be released, and where can we see your other music videos, which, by the way, have thousands and thousands of views?

That’s right. My new single will be available starting January 2nd, and it will be accompanied by a beautiful music video filmed in Gran Canaria. The song is called “MI TESORO” (My Treasure). For me, the greatest treasure is nothing more and nothing less than the time I have to do with it as I please: come and go, do, undo, fly, live… That’s my treasure, the time I’m lucky enough to have. To see and enjoy my music, just go to YouTube and search for Miguel Chinchilla; that way you’ll find my official channel.

– As we mentioned before, you’re already working on a new album, and what are your expectations for 2017 in terms of concerts?

My expectations now are, initially, to release the songs one by one, giving each one the time it deserves.

As for concerts, I plan to do all the shows that come up along the way, since a whole professional team at my agency is working on that. Above all, I want to enjoy myself with my fans; that’s the ultimate goal.

– Now, to say goodbye, Chinchilla… What are your future projects and a message for both your fans and the artists who want to walk the path to success in the art world?

Well, my future project would be to keep going strong in terms of music, living, suffering, and enjoying this tough but beautiful profession. To my fans, I send thousands of kisses and thanks because they help me so much and they are the best.

To people who want to dedicate themselves to this, I’d say that it’s hard and they’ll have a tough time, but if it’s really what they want, they must do things from the heart and persevere because in the end they will achieve their goal. That will be the reward that will make them happy for the rest of their lives.

We say goodbye just as we did when we met, with joy and laughter. El Chinchilla’s vitality is contagious, and that’s exactly what he transmits in his live performances. It’s impossible to remain unmoved at his concerts; it’s impossible to stop dancing and singing because that’s precisely this artist’s objective. Let’s keep an eye on their upcoming performances because they won’t leave anyone indifferent.

The Latin sensation in Zurich. Salsa Passion

Europe / Spain

Salsa passion is known as one of the best Salsa Dance School in Zurich to build your foundation. More than 15 years of teaching experiences. See why it’s rated as one of the best in tow.

Zurich. Salsa Passion - Photo 1 — Zurich. Salsa Passion – Photo 1

Salsa, Kizomba, Bachata, Cha Cha Cha, Lady Styling, Rhythm and dance Technique. Salsa dance Courses and Workshops for Beginner to Advanced levels. As a student you would benefit from Winny’s and diverse dance and music background. From leading to following technique, from rhythm to musicality, Spin, Body control, styling and footwork technique.

Good teaching strategies can be borrowed, but a good teaching heart is unique and cannot be replicated. Whether you want to become an excellent dancer, for fun or just for social reason, we love to help you to achieve your goal and teach with our hearts and passions.

Director of Salsa Passion – Winny. She is one of the best female instructor in Switzerland that can both lead and follow equally well in all Latin Styles such as Salsa Cubana, Cross Body Style, Mambo on2, Salsa Puerto Rican, New York On2, L.A style on1, Son and Cha Cha Cha.

Zurich. Salsa Passion - Photo 2 — Zurich. Salsa Passion – Photo 2

Whether you are completely new to the art, or experienced dancer, we have the patient, the knowledge, the experience to bring you further.

Dancing is about social and fun, but while you are investing your time and money to learn, why not learn it properly.

They’ve developed a “step by step” method that is fun and efficient for everyone to learn. We teach the “know how”. You will learn the vocabulary and the techniques of how to put them together, so you can become creative in a long run, and not just coping or try to memories a program.

“For us, teaching is not just a job, is an opportunity to give, and we love it!” Salsa with a smile, Salsa with passion!

What do we teach

Rhythm

How to dance into the rhythm with the style that you have choose to learn.

Music and Interpretation

We teach our classes with live percussion. We also have special training CD to help you to develop your skill.

Coordination, body movement and Posture

We love to show you how to look good while dancing, not just walking around and making steps. They have warm up and exercise at each course, to help you to perfect your coordination and body movement.

Partner Work – turn patterns and combination for all levels

Any figure or combination without technique is no different then it’s like just making a bunch of movements. We will show you how to makes each figure leadable, what makes a combination easy to follow or the opposite. We taught each figure with leading and follow technique, and how you can become a “smooth dancers”. Read our tricks and tips.

Footwork

Steps and combination to help you develop your dancing technique with balance, speed, and “shine” on the dance floor.

Zurich. Salsa Passion - Photo 3 — Zurich. Salsa Passion – Photo 3

Turning /Spinning technique

How to keep your balance when turn, how to gain speed and avoid getting dizzy. We have exercise to develop your turning technique at each of our course, plus tricks and tips how to turn during Partner Work.

Información de contacto:

Email address: [email protected]
Telephone: +41-76-5173138
Location: 4th Floor, Militärstr 84. 8004 ZH

Don Perignon Y La Puertorriqueña releases his new album ‘‘Classique et Savoureux’’

Today we welcome a friend of the house we have not spoken to in a long time, but who has a lot to tell. We are talking about bandleader and timbalero Pedro Luis Morales Cortijos, artistically known as Don Perignon, whom we have had the pleasure of interviewing after many years.

The artist and his orchestra La Puertorriqueña have released their latest album, ‘‘Classique et Savoureux,’’ which the Puerto Rican musician talks about in this conversation, among many other interesting topics regarding his personal life and career.

Don Perignon with a recognition — Don Perignon receiving recognition by the City of Los Angeles

A long-awaited reunion

When we were last in touch with Don Perignon, he was promoting his latest album, Demostrando A Tiempo, and, of course, much water has flowed under the bridge since then. After having released that album, the artist had many performances and quite emblematic events, such as the previous edition of El Crucero de La Salsa, which welcomed big names including El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, La Sonora Ponceña, and many more.

There were also some performances in Puerto Rico and travel to certain parts of the United States, such as Connecticut and New York. At the same time, they were already working on “Classique et Savoureux” and another production. With Christmas approaching, he and his team preferred to shove these projects aside for a while to leave center stage to Christmas music.

Arriving January, they finally got down to work to start the production without further delay. The premiere on digital platforms was held on January 23, and the physical release will be on February 13, but it does not end there, as they are also planning a second release on March 21, on the eve of Puerto Rico’s Día Nacional de La Zalsa. For the same date, vinyls are expected to be ready for collectors who want to buy them.

For the time of this interview, the music had already been recorded, and it was now the singers, including Alex D’Castro, Hermán Olivera, Josué Rosado, and Marcial Istúriz, who were in the studio recording their voices for the album.

Gilberto and Don Perignon — Gilberto Santa Rosa and Don Perignon

Why is the album called “Classique et Savoureux”?

With regard to the curious name he chose for his album, it was a whim of Don Perignon himself, who wanted to recognize and give thanks to the public of France and the French language, from which he adopted the name Don Perignon. The artist has been calling himself that for the last 40 years and has built his career on it. Although the name comes from a famous French champagne, he has never received any claims or lawsuits demanding that he stops using it, which is much appreciated.

In fact, he got to talk to the person responsible for introducing that champagne in a beverage company in Puerto Rico and understood that Don Perignon’s career and fame in no way damages the brand’s name and reputation.

Authorized biography

In addition to releasing his album, Don Perignon has also committed part of his time to engage in his authorized biography written by Puerto Rican author and International Salsa Magazine correspondent Bella Martínez. The book tells his story from his childhood to this day and includes the participation of the artist’s great friends and collaborators, including Andy Montañéz, Víctor Manuelle, and Gilberto Santa Rosa.

Some members of his family and other important people in his life also took part in the biography.

In each and every stage of his life described in the book, music plays a fundamental role given that, in his own words, it is an enjoyment that he has never been able to see as work.

It is titled “La Salsa No Puede Morir, así dice Perignon”, and is now available through platforms such as Amazon. In addition, the cover was designed by Félix Disla, the image is by Alina De Lourdes Luciano, the introduction is by Jaime Torres Torres, and the editorial care is by Robert Tellez M.

Activities outside of music

Let us remember that Don Perignon was working as a bailiff at the Puerto Rico Department of Justice until April 2023, when he finally retired and was able to dedicate himself in full to music because he finally had time for it. He also pointed out that, should his health permit him, he will be involved in many other collaborations and projects with other singers who want to enter the Puerto Rican market, and he is happy to be able help them.

Similarly, he assures us that he leaves it all in Our Lord Jesus Christ’s hands, who will let him know that he can achieve all this.